Mace and English agree to stay on with Brakes

James Mace and Junior English are staying on for another season at Leamington

And Mace remaining with the club means he is now in line to become their record appearance holder as he needs just six more games to pass Josh Blake’s current record of 407.

Last season was Mace’s 10th at Harbury Lane, but he was unable to play a single game after being sidelined with an ACL injury sustained in what proved to be the final match of the 2019-20 campaign at Guiseley.

However, Mace is well on the road to recovery and is eager for the 2021-22 season to get going.

“I can’t wait for this season’, he said.

“We have a great squad of players that did really well last season.

“I hope we can build from that and that my experience can help the team push forward.

“My rehab has gone well, and I’ll be coming back fit and full of positive energy.

“Like the supporters I missed out last season, we are all looking forward to the noise they make and the support they show.”

English will begin his fifth season with the Brakes having joined the club on their return to the National League North in 2017.

But for the premature ending of the last two campaigns he would have passed 150 appearances, and although he may not have started as many games as he would have liked, English remains a key player which was proven by his ability to play in several different positions while he also chipped in with important goals.

“When I was asked to re-sign it was a no brainer. We’ve got a great set of lads complemented by a top gaffer (Paul Holleran) and coaching staff,” said English.

“It’s a great club to be at and hopefully we can carry on where we left off last season.

“It’ll be great to be playing in front of our supporters again, who create a great atmosphere.”

Mace and English become the seventh and eight members of last season’s squad to have agreed a new deal with the club after Josh Martin became the sixth to do

so.

Leamington, meanwhile, have added home clashes with Aston Villa Under-23s and National League side Solihull Moors, as well as trips to Rushall Olympic and Hednesford Town to their pre-season friendly schedule.

Brakes will head to Dales Lane to play Rushall on Saturday, July 17 (3pm kick-off) while they will travel to Keys Park to take on the Pitmen on July 31 (3pm).

The Villa youngsters will visit Harbury Lane on Wednesday, July 23 (7.45pm).

Solihull, meanwhile, will provide the final opposition of pre-season at the Your Co-op Community Stadium on Saturday, August 7 (3pm).

The club will keep fans up to date as to whether they will be able to attend matches.

Leamington also now know that they will find out their full fixture list for next season on Wednesday, July 7 at 1pm.

The National League North campaign is scheduled to kick-off on Saturday, August 14.